As we reach the one-month mark in Super Rugby Pacific ’25, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this edition is shaping up to be the most exhilarating yet.
While some may hark back to the competition’s early days with a nostalgia for watching legends like Lomu, Cullen, Gregan, and Eales, the excitement this year stems from the unpredictability of the outcomes, the nail-biting closeness of matches, and the rapid pace at which the game is being played. The stats certainly support this claim.
In fact, 16 out of 20 games have been still up for grabs by the 70-minute mark. That’s the essence of excitement. That’s what truly energises the fans. Just last weekend, we witnessed another round filled with unexpected results, stunning tries, and wild narratives.
Let’s dive into some highlights in this week’s quick recap.
BRUMBIES BOUNCE BACK AGAINST BLUES
Stephen Larkham’s previous trip to Eden Park ended in heartbreak against the Blues, where his team was dismantled in last year’s semi-final. The Blues surged to a 24-6 lead before coasting to a 34-20 victory.
Fast forward less than a year, and ‘Bernie’ was misty-eyed for far more positive reasons after the Brumbies clinched a dramatic last-minute win last Friday.
The last ACT squad to triumph at Eden Park was back in 2013, featuring stars like Henry Speight, Joe Tomane, Scotty Sio, and current assistant coach Ben Mowen.
For the umpteenth time, Ryan Lonergan emerged as the hero, kicking a crucial penalty after the Brumbies dominated at scrum time.
It would’ve been intriguing to see how celebrations ensued with Matt Burke suggesting ‘Bernie’ may have channelled his inner ‘Barney’ after the stunning victory.
WARATAHS ON A WINNING STREAK
The last instance of NSW notching three consecutive wins at the beginning of a season was back in 2009. That impressive start led them to a fifth-place finish in the regular season, which surprisingly wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot in the 14-team competition.
Their commanding performance against the formidable Western Force should instil a sense of optimism among Tahs supporters who are gradually returning to the SFS.
Many of those present on Saturday were also there as charity partners of the Tahs, including two of my favourites, Bear Cottage and What Ability, along with a newer addition, Rio’s Legacy.
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Angus Bell of the Waratahs charges forward with the ball. Getty
Sadly, Rio Fowler passed away at just 18 months old, and his father Ryan is now fundraising for another children’s hospice in NSW. Currently, Bear Cottage on Sydney’s northern beaches is the only support for many struggling families.
Ryan and his wife Karen are aided by ambassadors Jeremy Williams and Dan Botha, who were once students of Ryan’s.
They are undertaking an extraordinary effort and have a couple of signed jerseys up for auction to help raise funds. Head here. Support the Fowlers. Honour Rio’s legacy.
ALL IN FOR THE TEAM
Although injury has kept Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii from exhibiting his talents at Allianz Stadium, he’s demonstrating his commitment to the club off the pitch.
For two consecutive weeks, he’s been cheering from the sidelines supporting the Super W side, and on Friday night, he took a spot in the coach’s box during his team’s game.
Former Tah and now NRL star Mark Nawaqanitawase also made a return to SFS to see his old side snag a win.
REDS’ UPS AND DOWNS
The Queensland Reds fell short and appeared a bit disjointed during their match against the Crusaders, while their women’s team shone with a stunning victory over Fijiana in Lautoka.
This was a significant win considering the Fijians had previously outperformed the defending champions, the Waratahs, the week before.
The match also featured a crop of Aussie Sevens stars making their debut. Bella Nasser, Teagan Levi, and Kahli Henwood have now joined the 15s ranks during this World Cup year.
PETAIA PAVING HIS OWN PATH
I had a chat with former Queensland Red and Wallaby Jordan Petaia for Wide World of Sports this week.
The dynamic outside back is now in Florida as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme.
When asked if he’s still championing rugby in the US, it appears he’s found a dedicated group of rugby aficionados. Unsurprisingly, Aussie Super Bowl winner Jordan Mailata has been a significant source of motivation due to his journey through the same pathway.
You can catch the full interview airing this Sunday at 10am on Nine.
Jordan Petaia shares his aspirations for the NFL. Nine
JORGO JNR SHINES
Super Rugby Pacific’s fantasy league continues to gather momentum, and Max Jorgensen truly stepped up during the weekend.
The Waratahs winger delivered a stellar performance with two tries (amassing 82 fantasy points), but BTP commentators Matt Burke and Morgan Turinui believe he can achieve even more. His father, the former Wallaby, Waratah, and NRL player Peter Jorgensen, celebrated his son’s tries with the signature ‘airplane’ gesture, and the pundits think it’s time for Jorgo Jnr to adopt that celebration from his dad.
At this rate, he’ll have ample opportunities to show it off throughout the season.
TOSO DRUA TOSO
From the absurdity of being forced to travel in a luggage truck to the thrill of toppling the ladder leaders, it’s been a tumultuous week for the Drua.
The underappreciated Fijian squad faced many challenges during their last tour, sparking backlash from beloved former players Lote Tuqiri and Nemani Nadolo.
Along with the luggage truck incident in Auckland, they encountered hotel issues in Napier and fans being let down at Maclean Park, among other troubles. However, they powered through to upset the Chiefs in Lautoka.
This victory not only keeps their campaign alive but also marks coach Glen Jackson’s first win against the Chiefs, a club he played for in 60 matches from 1999-2004.
‘Jacko’ mentioned post-match that none of his players were aware of his history with the Chiefs since none of them were born back then. Ah, kids these days…
The Fijian Drua team travelling in the back of a truck to their hotel. X
SWAINY ON A NEW PATH
Stan rugby commentator, producer, and the friendliest chap in the game, Andrew Swain, has broadened his horizons even further in recent months.
The 6’5”, 115kg former lock is now focusing on representing Australia in the upcoming Winter Olympics as part of the Aussie curling team.
As you can imagine, the competition for a spot at this level is fierce.
‘Swainy’ is on the lookout for qualification alongside his team, ‘The Curlews’, who will vie for the Australian title. In an unexpected twist, those championships will be held in Naseby, New Zealand, as it seems the ice in Australia isn’t up to the required standard. Who would have thought?
Regardless, we’re firmly on board the Swain Train, ready to cheer them on come May. You can follow the big fella and his fellow Curlews here.
Don’t miss our next catch-up on Tuesday night for a thrilling clash between the Waratahs and Reds.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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